small red blotches on skin

Posted by kerrywp @kerrywp, Jul 24 11:15am

Hi,
Has anyone had small red blotches randomly appear on your legs or arms?
Flat, not raised and doesn't itch. I think it is a side effect from prednisone but my rheumatologists say they have not seen that. I finally decided it was benign and I have just ignored it. But thought I would ask all of you.
Thanks!!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

beverly48 | @beverly48 | Jul 26 9:16am

Hi, I get these markings sometimes myself. Usually, it is from where I have carried a grocery bag on that arm. Sometimes I just don't know why. They will last a couple weeks and slowly disappear. If I didn't see the spot, I would not have known it was even there. Life happens.

jcapra51 | @jcapra51 | Jul 26 10:20am

Side effects from the
prednisone . They call it thin skinned.

beverly48 | @beverly48 | Jul 26 10:24am

In reply to @jcapra51 "Side effects from the prednisone . They call it thin skinned." + (show)

Occur when you are NOT on prednisone too. It is called aging thin skin or thrombocytopenia should be considered as well.

LinaXYL | @linaxyl | Jul 26 10:37am

In reply to @dadcue ""I will be off Methylprednisolone in 6 days and will keep up the Actemra infusions. I..." + (show)

Thank you I will see if I can get them checked.

LinaXYL | @linaxyl | Jul 26 10:38am

In reply to @jagjgg1950 "These groups help, because I think I would lose my mind talking to my Drs I..." + (show)

Exactly!

Mike | @dadcue | Jul 26 11:27am

In reply to @linaxyl "Thank you I will see if I can get them checked." + (show)

Not much can be done about the adrenal suppression and a low cortisol level. It is another side effect of long term Prednisone use. The recommendation is to slowly taper off Prednisone which just prolongs the time we need Prednisone.

People think a slow taper is to prevent flares. However, a slow taper is mostly done to give the adrenals time to recover from Prednisone use.

In the past, if PMR was still active we needed to stay on Prednisone regardless of adrenal suppression. With Actemra and other treatments which achieve remission quicker without adrenal suppression then it should make it easier to achieve a "steroid free sustained remission."

I currently do monthly infusions of Actemra for PMR. I got off Prednisone almost 5 years ago, Most of my side effects from being on prednisone for 12 years have improved tremendously.

sjc123 | @sjc123 | Jul 26 12:42pm

The red blotches are called purpura, in case you want to research. There are 3-4 different types, but skin-thinning prednisone is right in there. Combine that with older age and sun damage, and it can be worse. I am on prednisone taper starting at 60mg in February 2025, now down to 12.5, reducing 2.5 each month. Purpura are not painful, but they sure are ugly. My Rheum doc says it the prednisone, and will go away once off the prednisone. I use base makeup to cover my forearms when I go out. It doesn’t cover completely, but it does soften the look quite a bit. You can get special makeup that covers bruise and scars also. That’s about it. See pic: warning, it’s ugly!

tweetypie13 | @tweetypie13 | Jul 26 1:28pm

In reply to @sjc123 "The red blotches are called purpura, in case you want to research. There are 3-4 different..." + (show)

Ditto

kerrywp | @kerrywp | Jul 26 2:24pm

In reply to @sjc123 "The red blotches are called purpura, in case you want to research. There are 3-4 different..." + (show)

Yup! That's it!!
Mine did go away -after I was off prednisone for awhile.
But now that I am back on prednisone due to a flare - they are back; not with a vengeance - but the occasional small blotch.

Good luck w your taper!!! 🍀

barracudacool | @barracudacool | Jul 27 5:46am

Yes. My son says my arms look like I’m a plague victim. I’ve been on steroids (medrol for me.) and eliquis for about two years.those awful blood spots started about six months ago. Slight brush against something and bam! Crepey skin. Look at your arms you’ll see the crepe paper like pattern. At least I do. For me a cross between crappy and creepy. I’m using CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin, Body Lotion & Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides, and arm sleeves to protect the arms. I’m also drinking a smoothie concoction with collagen powder and protein. They are looking better and the blood spots reabsorbing more quickly. Do not drain the spots if they look more like blood blisters. Cover and protect.